Absolution of unsaid sins

[EMFrost]

Okay so “physically unable” does mean something like what happened with me?
I thought that was meant for big and objective things like there was a medical issue or dire situation and it was literally impossible for the person to speak and confess their sins. Is that phrase not to be taken so literally… what does it mean?

Let’s see if I understand the rest.
My confession was formally incomplete, but materially still a complete confession nonetheless,
Therefore,
My absolution truly is intact?

If I were to mention these unsaid sins the next time I’m in a confession, should I make sure to tell the priest that these particular sins are already absolved? Because I know it’s really bad and wrong to get absolution for the same individual sin more than once.

I was just going to tell a priest these sins outside of confession since they’re absolved, but should they still be confessed within the sacrament despite this? You know… I guess so. I’m glad so many made sure to say that, thank ya’ll.

 

[Vico]

Okay so “physically unable” does mean something like what happened with me?
I thought that was meant for big and objective things like there was a medical issue or dire situation and it was literally impossible for the person to speak and confess their sins. Is that phrase not to be taken so literally… what does it mean?

Let’s see if I understand the rest.
My confession was formally incomplete, but materially still a complete confession nonetheless,
Therefore,
My absolution truly is intact?

If I were to mention these unsaid sins the next time I’m in a confession, should I make sure to tell the priest that these particular sins are already absolved? Because I know it’s really bad and wrong to get absolution for the same individual sin more than once.

I was just going to tell a priest these sins outside of confession since they’re absolved, but should they still be confessed within the sacrament despite this? You know… I guess so. I’m glad so many made sure to say that, thank ya’ll.

You said the priest cuts you off when speaking, and “I can hardly finish my first sentence before the priest goes on with the absolution”. How then is it physically possible if he refuses to hear them?

 

[EMFrost]

I don’t know.
In most cases, however, not knowing how to do something doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Where there’s a will there’s a way, right?
But although I wanted to say them, that didn’t happen. And I’ve thought it through again and again and I still don’t know what I could have done differently (without pre-knowledge I would be interrupted and my not yet named sins denied like that).
I think I understand now, thank you.

Although I learned about my faith and the sacraments in school. This is the first time I’ve heard the words “formal” and “material” in regards to a confession. Is this explained in the Catechism? If not where can I read more about it?

 

[Vico]

I don’t know.
In most cases, however, not knowing how to do something doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Where there’s a will there’s a way, right?
But although I wanted to say them, that didn’t happen. And I’ve thought it through again and again and I still don’t know what I could have done differently (without pre-knowledge I would be interrupted and my not yet named sins denied like that).
I think I understand now, thank you.

Although I learned about my faith and the sacraments in school. This is the first time I’ve heard the words “formal” and “material” in regards to a confession. Is this explained in the Catechism? If not where can I read more about it?

No, there is not always a way when there is a will. Wills may be in opposition. The priest has a will to consider also in confession. If conditions or the priest will not hear you confession, then it is not physically possible.

There are sources to read on integral confession. CIC canon law refers to the formally integral confession. Materially complete would include every sin, even those forgotten. Can. 960 Individual and integral confession and absolution constitute the only ordinary means by which a member of the faithful conscious of grave sin is reconciled with God and the Church. Only physical or moral impossibility excuses from confession of this type; in such a case reconciliation can be obtained by other means.

 

[EMFrost]

No, there is not always a way when there is a will. Wills may be in opposition. The priest has a will to consider also in confession. If conditions or the priest will not hear you confession, then it is not physically possible.

There are sources to read on integral confession. CIC canon law refers to the formally integral confession. Materially complete would include every sin, even those forgotten.
Can. 960 Individual and integral confession and absolution constitute the only ordinary means by which a member of the faithful conscious of grave sin is reconciled with God and the Church. Only physical or moral impossibility excuses from confession of this type; in such a case reconciliation can be obtained by other means.

It makes a great deal of sense when you explain it in full. Thanks for taking the time to do that.

CIC Canon law? I’ll be sure to look there.

Thanks again to everyone who wrote on this thread. You’ve really helped me out.

 

[Vico]

It makes a great deal of sense when you explain it in full. Thanks for taking the time to do that.

CIC Canon law? I’ll be sure to look there.

Thanks again to everyone who wrote on this thread. You’ve really helped me out.

I’m glad it was helpful.

Latin Canon Law (CIC): intratext.com/x/eng0017.htm

Eastern Catholic Canon Law (CCEO): http://www.intratext.com/X/ENG1199.HTM

Integral: CIC 960, CCEO 720.

Best summary of the sacrament (in my opinion) are two eastern canons. Note that in general absolution sins are absolved indirectly, just as the case of physical or moral impossibility.CCEO Canon 718
In the sacrament of penance, the Christian faithful who committed sins after baptism, internally led by the Holy Spirit, turn back to God, moved by the pain of sin, intent on entering a new life through the ministry of the priest, having themselves made a confession and accepted an appropriate penance, obtain forgiveness from God and at the same time are reconciled with the Church which they injured by sinning; by this sacrament they are brought to a greater fostering of the Christian life and are thus disposed for receiving the Divine Eucharist.

CCEO Canon 721

1. For a member of the Christian faithful to enjoy the sacramental absolution given to many at the same time, it is required not only that the person be properly disposed, but also at the same time intend in due time to confess individually the grave sins which at the present time cannot be confessed. 2. As much as can be done, the Christian faithful are to be instructed concerning these requirements; an exhortation that each person take care to make an act of contrition is to precede general absolution, even in danger of death if time is available.